HELLO, SAILOR

FROM 80S-THEMED TRIPS TO TRAVELLERS BOOKING UP TO TWO YEARS AHEAD, HERE ARE THE TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2026. BY LAUREN TAYLOR

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CRUISE travel remains inherently popular, offering a way to see several places without having to move hotel rooms.

But the industry is trying to shake off its old reputation and embrace a new era of travel catering to a more diverse range of customers, preferences and (often niche) interests.

So what are the major players predicting for the year ahead?

Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow says they are "working hard to challenge outdated perceptions".

He says: "Cruising isn't just for one type of traveller. It's modern, diverse and increasingly appealing to a much broader audience."

Antonio Paradiso, VP of international sales at MSC Cruises, agrees, saying: "We're also seeing clear shifts in who is cruising.

"Multigenerational family travel continues to grow, while the average age of an MSC Cruises guest is just 42, highlighting the appeal of cruising to a younger audience.

"At the same time, solo travel is becoming increasingly popular across our fleet, as more guests look for flexible, social ways to travel."

Marella Cruises, part of TUI, are seeing a growing interest in their 'themed cruises, "which are proving effective in attracting new-to-cruise guests," according to CEO Chris Hackney.

"We've recently launched our latest Electric Sunsets 90s vs 00s themed cruise which has returned for its sixth year," he says.

"The popularity of themed cruises is usually connected to them being adult-only which have a range of musical acts from different decades, tapping into [the] appeal to 'new to cruise' customers."

At Ambassador Cruise Line, they're leaning into nostalgia too.

CEO Christian Verhounig says: "We're offering a 'Back to the 70s' cruise, sailing aboard Ambition in April 2026, where guests can groove to disco hits and enjoy themed parties as they sail across the North Sea to Zeebrugge."